A legend is a part of a map that interprets the meaning of point, line, and area symbols on a map.

Symbols represent real world land features on a map. Symbols can be divided into three groups: point, line, and polygon (or area) symbols.

Point symbols are:

• buildings
• wells
• radio towers

Line symbols are:

• roads
• rivers
• railroad tracks
• power lines

Polygon or area symbols are:

• water bodies
• swamps
• deserts
• forested area
• glaciers

Hands on Activity

Some map symbols are only used on certain types of maps. Do a search on the internet, at the library, or even around your home. Find other kinds of maps such as: tourist maps, bus route maps, topographical maps, nautical charts, geological maps, population maps, and archaeological maps. What sorts of symbols do they use? What other kinds of maps can you find?